Grateful after my stroke

To the Editor;
I had a stroke during the early hours of Feb. 14, 2018. I couldn’t get off the bed without falling. My speech was extremely slurred and I was throwing up. To say the least, I was in trouble. My wife called 911 and the ambulance came from Milo and picked me up and transported me to Mayo Regional Hospital in Dover-Foxcroft. The EMTs were extremely professional and caring.

I really didn’t know what was going on, but the doctor and nurses were excellent. They stabilized my vitals and I was transferred by ambulance to the VA in Togus.

We’ve heard all of the rumors about the VA hospitals in the United States, so I was extremely concerned to say the least. To all the veterans in the state of Maine who had concerns about the VA in Togus, I would like to put their fears to rest.

The doctors and nurses were topnotch. They were very professional as well as caring during my seven days there. I also saw the staff with other veterans and they were very well taken care of. I would give the VA in Togus five stars out of five for my treatment and care I received there.

I later went to EMMC in the rehab unit, and I knew I had plenty of work to do. I was at EMMC for seven days and everyone I had contact with was excellent. I owe my life to the VA in Togus and the rehab specialist at EMMC.

Richard Martin
Milo